Nurses Can Minimize Hazardous Drug Exposure With Spill Kits

Nurses can minimize exposure to hazardous drugs with the use personal protective equipment and careful technique. Spill kits should be available wherever chemotherapy is located. Although they are commercially available, clinicians can assemble their own kits (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 2006).

A hazardous drug spill kit should include the following contents.

Absorbent chemotherapy pads and towels

2 disposable chemotherapy-resistant gowns (with back closure)

2 pairs of chemotherapy-resistant shoe covers

4 pairs of chemotherapy gloves

2 pairs of chemical splash goggles

2 respirator masks approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health